Understand Your Migraine Symptoms

Migraine is a neurological disease that affects an estimated 12% of the population. Although commonly referred to as a ‘migraine headache,’ a headache is only one of the many symptoms experienced by people who experience a migraine attack.

It is important to understand your symptoms and to be able to describe them to your healthcare professional. If you find your symptoms on this list, you can track them in our Migraine Diary.

Symptoms include:

• Headache, the primary and most common symptom, lasting from a few hours up to 3 days
• Sensitivity to light, including bright lights, sunlight, or even moderate indoor lighting, also called photophobia
• Sensitivity to sound, including loud noises or speaking at a nominal volume. Some noises may be particularly grating during a migraine attack, also called phonophobia,
• Visual Aura, before or during a migraine attack. Aura can look like flashing lights, swirling, bright static, or blind spots
• Nausea and vomiting, which may be brought on by other sensitivities, including smells that might not normally be irritating, or motion sensitivity leading to dizziness or vertigo
• Cognitive difficulties, such poor concentration or feeling foggy. Some people may experience difficulty speaking (dysphasia) finding the right words when they speak (dysnomia)

For more details, you can read more Migraine Categories articles on the Migraine Tree.

If you’re experiencing migraine attacks, download our Migraine Diary to track your symptoms and talk to your doctor.